The purpose of the study described in the article “The long-term effects of a token economy on safety performance in open-pit mining," by Fox, Hopkins, and Anger (1987) involves the investigation and examination of using a token economy where tokens are given to miners owing to their capability in avoiding injuries or accidents for a specified duration. The researchers acknowledge that mining is an occupation full of hazards, and go ahead to quote the most recent statistics before the publication of the study. To that extent, the basis of the primary dependent variables in this study was the duration lost through injuries.
Participants/Subjects Studied
In this particular examination, Fox, Hopkins, and Anger (1987) describe the subjects that were studied as employees and workers of two open-pit mines. One of the mines was being used in the extraction and milling of uranium ore meant for the generation of electricity while the other one was being used in the extraction and processing of coal used in electricity generation. In this respect, the employees included processing and mining equipment operators in the production department, maintenance personnel, management staff, and engineers as well as clerical and custodial personnel. The workers were split into different hazard groups, the primary determiner being the number of lost-time injuries reported at baseline periods for individuals in specific jobs. The workers were placed into four groups, namely Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4. Fox, Hopkins, and Anger (1987) describe the baseline conditions for the participants where the two settings were under the regulation of the Mining Safety and Health Administration. The two mines also developed safety and Health policies. Part of implementing the regulations and the safety policies included training new employees, offering all employees ongoing refresher training and carrying out inspections and correction of hazards frequently.
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Methods
The research methods used in conducting the study described in this article adopted an approach that focused on the collection and acquisition of safety data and information concerning mining company policies and MSHA regulations. In the methodology section, Fox, Hopkins, and Anger (1987) describe the settings, subjects, baseline conditions as well as the data collection procedure. They report that the study was undertaken at two open-pit mines together with their associated facilities for product processing. Fox, Hopkins, and Anger (1987) provide more details about the specific location of the study sites, stating that the two sites utilized similar mining procedures. The researchers also indicate the minerals that were being mined and proceed in each of the settings. In the first set, the main mineral being extracted and milled was uranium. In the second setting, coal was the main mineral being extracted and processed. The researchers indicate that in both sites, injuries had previously been reported, but most of the said injuries were linked to the utilization and maintenance of heavy equipment.
Results
The result of this study as presented by Fox, Hopkins, and Anger (1987) demonstrate that an index of the severity associated with the injuries that reflected the duration lost from working days experienced a significant decrease during the initial years of the establishment of the token economy. Further, Fox, Hopkins, and Anger (1987) point out that apart from the workers suffering fewer disabilities, injuries and even deaths, they also benefited from backup prizes they were awarded in exchange for their trading stamps. The findings indicate that although the workers were initially skeptical about the token programs, significant anecdotal information indicated that they generally appreciated the arrangement. They state that in 1985, mining accidents accounted for about 500 deaths of miners in the US and resulted in about 40,000 work-related injuries that made workers miss 1 or more days of work. It is reported that the mining companies benefited from the significant declines in the costs of injuries and accidents.
Conclusions Drawn
Following the analysis and discussion of the study described in this article, Fox, Hopkins, and Anger (1987) conclude that the tokens awarded to workers as a result of the durations spent without accidents that damage equipment or injuries were largely beneficial to the various parties involved. The duration lost from work owing to injuries declined upon the introduction of token economies. Fox, Hopkins, and Anger (1987) also concluded that there were three relative threats associated with the ability of the token economy in improving safety. Fox, Hopkins, and Anger (1987) indicate that the findings are robust evidence mining companies can faithfully administer behavioral programs and that the impact of these programs can be sustained for many years. The researchers point out that the programs also proved to be beneficial to the Directors of Safety and Health of both the mines as well as the mining companies themselves. They summarize that researchers and other parties seeking to replicate the study should understand the need for extensive training meant to make the workers behave safely and maintain safe work conditions was part of the baseline conditions.
Future Directions for Research
Some of the future directions for research noted through this particular article include the need for the investigation of the possibility of the workers on open-pit mines failing to report injuries and accidents due to the existence of contingencies. Besides, future research should consider replicating the procedures in other industries characterized by significant safety and health hazards such as the manufacturing industry. The other direction involves the examination of the role played by workers' reporting responsibilities in reducing accidents and injuries at the mines.
Reference
Fox, D. K., Hopkins, B. L., & Anger, W. K. (1987). The long ‐ term effects of a token economy on safety performance in open-pit mining. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis , 20 (3), 215-224.
